Lay Pich Moni Rachana
Founder
My admiration for my Cambodian roots began very early when I heard all about the glory of the Angkor Era and the Khmer Empire’s influence in Southeast Asia when I was a kid; Growing up on these stories and a big imagination, I spent countless hours finding every resource possible to fuel my curiosity until this very day. Over time, with thousands of stories in my heart and discovering my heritage, I realized culture is not just a collection of historical events, not just about traditional attire, nor a shared language. It is a complex framework of norms, values, practices, beliefs, and customs shaped, shared, and sharpened by all members of a community from one generation to the next. Culture is an all-encompassing system that deeply influences an individual’s worldview and fostering a sense of pride in our shared heritage for an intangible concept that is so much bigger than all of us.
Guided by a heartfelt reverence for our Khmer legacy, I founded Khmer Chronicle to share stories that inspire and educate each other about our Khmer culture. In a world where Western influences are strong and borders are increasingly fluid, both geographically and digitally, the ability to navigate and rediscover one’s own culture is crucial. Join me on this journey to become the future advocates of knowledge. Share your stories, experiences, and insights into Khmer culture that inspire and captivate the world.
As the founder of Khmer Chronicles, I am responsible for the website’s creation, design, and coordination with our team, from content creation to community engagement initiatives.
You can find me at a boba shop organizing different school club activities, planning for my baking business, competing or managing MUNs, participating in community programs, occasionally stressing on my schoolwork, while planning events and competitions in the far future. Reach out to me at pichmonirachana.lay@gmail.com!
Heymann Clara
Head of Marketing
As someone with dual nationality (French and Cambodian), I have often faced challenges in learning about my Cambodian culture and heritage. Over time, my appreciation for this aspect of my identity has deepened, along with my desire to help others learn about Cambodia. As the Head of Marketing, I lead our team in creating, designing, and coordinating initiatives that inspire and educate. My responsibilities encompass everything from content creation to community engagement, ensuring that our projects resonate with and uplift our audience. You can often find me studying in a café, working on my next art piece, competing in Model United Nations conferences, or volunteering at events.
Proseth Va
Membership Coordinator
Hello! As someone who values culture highly, I find Khmer Chronicles an exciting way to showcase our unique heritage, especially from fresh perspectives of the youth, like our admin team!
With a deep passion for improving our nation, I am delighted to work on this incredible project.
You won’t find me around Phnom Penh often because I lack a social life and is most likely working as the studious person I am. But in the off chance that you do, I am most likely idling by awkwardly around my friends.
I look forward to seeing this project’s growth and providing thoughtful, truthful, and entertaining information!
Lyching Prum
Web Developer
When I was younger, I never realized how blessed I was to be born in a country with a rich culture and profound history with tremendous lessons that I can learn from, that country is the Kingdom of Cambodia. The land of wonder. The older I get, the more eager I am to know every single bit of Cambodia including its history, culture, beliefs and so much more than I ever knew. I believe there are people like me, for this reason, my friends created Khmer Chronicles to help further deepen and raise awareness of Cambodia. And, my role is to ensure that this website is well functioning.
You can find me at MUN conferences, and volunteering programs, Starbucks located in front of Aeon 3 because I spend most of my afternoon there doing various work and studying.
Anisia Kem
Graphic Designer
Hihi!
I'm thrilled to be a part of the Khmer Chronicles admin team and to serve as a graphic designer for the first time.
The idea behind this project is something our country truly needs: an accessible place to preserve our heritage through stories and evaluations of the issues we face, presented in articles. It has given me an exciting opportunity to learn more about my second culture, as I had limited exposure to Khmer traditions during my childhood. I'm also here to enhance my skills in the given position, as I've wanted to work on it for quite a while.
I can't wait to see where this goes!
Puthika Vibol
Graphic Designers
During my elementary school years, I embarked on a journey to develop my drawing skills by enrolling in art classes. Under the guidance of my teacher, I learned to draw temples that symbolize Khmer culture. As I advanced through my lessons, my appreciation for the arts deepened, and I began to uncover the intricate messages embedded within these drawings.
With the knowledge and insights I have gained, I am eager to share this understanding with a broader audience, allowing others to discover and appreciate Khmer culture as well.
You might encounter me around Phnom Penh or, if you’re fortunate, at Model United Nations conferences. I look forward to the possibility of meeting you!
Savy Serey Vaddtey
Content Manager
What does it mean to be Khmer and have a tight grasp on your cultural identity in a globalizing world where the lines between foreign influences and cultural preservation are becoming blurred? If I were to be dead honest with you, I’d tell you that I’m not 100% sure either.
I can say I speak fluent Khmer and have a vast knowledge of Khmer art and history. I can tell you of the different provinces and geography in Cambodia. But how much of our knowledge of our own culture can translate into our actual cultural identity? That’s what I am on the path to figure out along with Khmer Chronicles because cultural identity is an almost never ending journey of exploration.
This is in fact, my cordial invitation for you to string along with me and Khmer Chronicles as we navigate through our cultural journey together! As someone who has always been interested in journalism and writing, I am compelled to explore different narrative-driven stories as we watch how social, psychological, linguistic, and political factors can shape and mold our (I’d say quite malleable) cultural identity.
P.S. i have a really bad caffeine addiction & my all time fav authors r ocean vuong + mieko kawakami
Mana Va
Media Assistant Manager
From a young age, I’ve been passionate about sparking ideas and creating content that brings people together through impactful media, especially now with the Khmer Chronicles which involves exploring Cambodia's heritage-rich & diverse culture from many perspectives of those who reside there (including me). As a media assistant manager, I am here to help compel informative content through many forms so that others can engage with the unique opportunity to learn, talk and connect with the Khmer culture.
I’m not just here to join an incredible team dedicated to exploring a new chapter in Cambodian culture, but also to share my perspective on this country's beauty and learn more. Khmer Chronicles is not just a platform to share stories, but also a space to explore new possibilities, envision the future of this country and connect our rich history with the present. I view it as an archive of our own appreciation for Cambodia—an opportunity to revisit and reflect on our shared experiences and cultural connections.
“Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away.” -Frida Kahlo
Cambodia is very dear to me, so with that, I’m thrilled to share my passion for Cambodia and expand my creativity! Let me cook!!
Meet the Wonderful Team
Behind every blog you read is a team of dedicated members, admins, and publishers, working on our toes to ensure the best content is delivered. We take great care in crafting insightful and engaging content that authentically portrays the richness and diversity of Cambodia's heritage.